Seis Ways to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

While many view Cinco de Mayo as a Mexican holiday, the United States was very much involved in the events that took place on May 5, 1862 in Puebla, Mexico. American Union soldiers fought side by side with the Mexican army to ultimately defeat the invading French (it wasn't until a few years later that we turned the guns on each other). But whether you hail from North or South of the Rio Grande, we can all appreciate the spirit of victory and brotherhood the holiday represents. And celebrate those noble ideals with large quantities of tequila.

Lucky for us Houstonians, there are hundreds of Cinco de Mayo celebrations taking place all over the city, a few of which are listed below.

Berryhill Baja Grill
The Galleria-area location on Post Oak and San Felipe is celebrating the occasion with a "Cinco por Cinco" parking lot party. We have no idea what the first "cinco" is referring to, but who really cares when there will be a $3 outdoor taco bar, all night drink specials, and live music from local favorites Come See My Dead Person (admittedly not the best-named band to play a restaurant event), and the Sideshow Tramps. 5 p.m. - close.

La Mexicana
The Montrose Mexican restaurant is going all out with an all day-celebration. The fiesta starts bright and early (really early) with $4 ritas and $3 mimosas from 7-9am. From 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. enjoy 6-oz. $2.50 margaritas, perfect for a happy lunch hour. The party really gets rolling at 4pm, with $4 ritas, $3 tequila shots (arrrrrriba!), and $2 Tecates until 9 pm.. Fajitas are on special as well, just $17.95 a pound all day.

Niko Niko's
Yes, you read that correctly. The beloved Greek restaurant invites you to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in grand Mediterranean style (what?), with live music, drink specials, and lots of Greek food. Four-legged friends are welcome too. The May 5 celebration is part of the ongoing "Thirsty Thursday's" series taking place once a month in Market Square. 5 -8 p.m. Parking in Market Square garage is $5, or free on the street after 6 p.m.

Pappasito's Cantina
You've gotta hand it to them, the fajitas at Pappasitos are hard to beat. It probably has something to do with the little vat of butter sauce served on the side of every steaming skillet. The Pappas' Tex-Mex concept will surely be sizzling this Thursday with the annual "Fajitas & Ritas" Cinco de Mayo celebration, featuring their popular "Grand Gold Margarita" in a keepsake glass for $8.95 all day.

Sylvia's Enchilada Kitchen
If the sound of mariachi music makes you hungry for a plate of enchiladas (I swear, I'm like Pavlov's perrito) head to either of Sylvia's Enchilada Kitchen locations for 17 different varieties of her signature dish, and happy hour pricing all day on margaritas and domestic and imported cerveza.

Tila's
If you love your mama, and your mama loves margaritas, take her to Tila's on Sunday, May 8, for celebration that's part Cinco de Mayo, part Mother's Day ("Cinco de Mama'"). The River Oaks-area restaurant is honoring their two favorite days with two of their all-time favorites - "Chile en Nogada" and "La Margarita de Tila's". As they put it, "Viva Mama' y Viva el Victory!"

I love that the commenters who "hate" El Real will take absolutely every single opportunity to bring it up anyway, even when there's been no mention made of El Real in the post itself. Keep up the weird work, commenters!